Everyday Household Products That Are More Harmful Than Fast Food

Everyone loves a clean, fresh-smelling home, but some everyday household products can be incredibly detrimental to your health. From air fresheners to non-stick pans, your house might be hiding some sneaky health hazards. Here’s a list that spells out what to watch out for.

Household products under the sink.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Air Fresheners

They may make your home smell like a tropical paradise, but air fresheners often contain phthalates and formaldehyde. These chemicals can mess with your hormones and result in respiratory issues.

Non-Stick Cookware

Those non-stick pans are convenient, but many contain PFOA, a chemical that’s bad news when heated. Linked to cancer and other health problems, using cast iron or stainless pans is a much better choice.

Cleaning Products

Your favorite cleaning products might leave your house sparkling, but they can also contain ammonia and bleach. These harsh chemicals can irritate your skin and lungs, making cleaning more of a health hazard than a chore.

Antibacterial Soap

Antibacterial soap sounds like a good idea until you realize many contain triclosan. This nasty chemical can contribute to antibiotic resistance and mess with your hormones. You’re washing away germs, but potentially inviting other problems.

Washing dishes with sponge and soap.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Plastic Food Containers

Those plastic containers are handy, but many contain BPA, which can leach into your food, especially when heated. This can lead to hormonal imbalances and other health issues.

Synthetic Fragrances

Found in laundry detergents and personal care products, synthetic fragrances can trigger allergies and asthma. They might make your clothes smell like a spring meadow, but at what cost? Sometimes, it’s better to just smell like you.

Pesticides and Herbicides

These garden helpers can cause a range of health problems including cancer and neurological disorders by spraying your lawn with a cocktail of carcinogens. It might be time to embrace the dandelions.

Dryer sheets.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Flame Retardants

Found in furniture and electronics, flame retardants can disrupt hormones and are linked to cancer and developmental issues in kids. This becomes especially concerning when you think about just how much time we spend in and on things like our beds and couches.

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets often contain chemicals like benzyl acetate and chloroform, which can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation. They might leave your clothes soft, but the repercussions are hefty. Opt for wool dryer balls instead.

Mothballs

Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic. They can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. Nothing like keeping your closet fresh with a sprinkle of poison.